Villa striker Carew hits back at Lyon jibes

Aston Villa striker John Carew has hit back at jibes from his former club Lyon about his level of performance at the French club.

Lyon official Bernard Lacombe claimed Carew was 'a bit too static' and 'was
not always the best when it came to reading the game.'

But Carew believes the attack by Lacombe is designed to act as a smokescreen
for a poor run of results by Lyon since his departure during the January
transfer window in a swap deal with Milan Baros.

Carew said 'I left Lyon, they lost five matches - and then the
questions start to be asked so I think it is just to justify what they did.

'I think that is a desperate comment (by Lacombe) aimed to protect themselves
after selling me because they didn't win for a few games.

'To be honest, it doesn't bother me that much. I turn it into a compliment.

'I am just doing my best here at Villa, to work and run for the team, and
hope that will create a good result for the team. I don't really bother about
the comments from Lyon. As I say, I take them as a compliment.'

Carew has already made an impact at Villa and become a favourite with the
club's supporters and he can see exciting times ahead for Martin O'Neill's
side.

He said: 'The fans have been really fantastic, really lifting us and backing
us, and it is like having an extra player on the pitch.

'The manager is also fantastic. You have everything you want. You go out
there and play and see all the possibilities that this team has and it is very
exciting for the future.'

The one frustrating point for Carew is Villa have to wait nearly three weeks
before they are again in action at a time when he was looking to hone his match
sharpness.

He completed his first 90 minutes for the club at Reading on Saturday after
being substituted suffering from cramp in the previous two games with Newcastle
and West Ham.

Carew said: 'It is frustrating because I am starting to get fit and on
Saturday was my first full 90 minutes since I got injured in December.

'I felt no cramp so it is a step forward. I benefited from having 45 minutes
for Norway in mid-week.

'I would have liked to carry on playing to get the last 10% out of my game
but I will work hard in training to get that sharpness.'